Mining machine



Dec. 19, 1933. H'vw, DR|EHAU5 1,939,673

MINING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1932 5 sheets-smet 1 MINING MACHINE FiledJuly 29, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 m. .MSW

Dec. 19, 1933. H. w. DRIEHAUS MINING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1932 5Sheets-Sheet 3 mi @www 5. i m m .M 0 N1 \Q\ mw/ ,J.,

Dec.l9, 1933. H. w; DRIEHAus MINING MACHINE Filed July 29. 1932 5Sheets-Sheet 4 Dec. 19, 1933. w, DRlEHAUs 1,939,673

MINING MACHINE Filed July 29, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 #lla/775g PatentedDec. 19, 1933 1,939,673 lMnNuNcr MACHINE Herman W. Driehaus, Chicago,Ill., assigner to `Goodman Manufacturing Company, Chicago, Ill., acorporation of Illinois Application July 29, 1932. Serial No. 625,854

27 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in mining machines, andA moreparticularly to mining machines of the track mounted type adapted to cuta horizontal kerf in the mine wall above the mine rails, equipped withmeans for collecting the cuttings and permitting them to be deliveredbeyond the machine into the gob ora suitable receptacle.

This invention has, as one of its principal obl jects, to provide a newand improved means for collecting the cuttings removed from' the kerfcut in the mine wall by the cutter bar which will more readily follow anuneven surface including an improved construction of telescopic cuttingsi5 tings collector in engagement with the mine wall while cluttingacross the face.

The generaltype of machine disclosed was fully described in a patentapplicationfiled May 24,

.20- 1930, by William T. McCullough, Serial Number 455,218, and entitledImprovements in mining machines, so will onlyherein be described insofaras is necessary to clearly set forth the improvements in my presentinvention.

My invention may be more clearly understood with reference to theaccompanying drawings wherein: A j' Figure'l is a top plan view of thedevice einbodyi'ngvmy invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged plan viewof the cuttings collecting meanswithparts1 broken away and in section to more clearly show the details ofvmy invention;

Figure 4 is an enlarged side elevation of theV cuttings collecting meansin an extended position with respect to the cutter bar, with partsbroken away and in section to more clearly vshow the details of myinvention; i

Figure 5 is an enlarged side elevation of the cuttings collecting meansshowing the cuttings collecting means in a retracted position with re'-spect to the cutter bar, Vwith parts brokenaway and in section to moreclearly show the details of my invention;

VFigure 6 isan enlarged front end view of the cuttings collecting meanswith parts broken away and in section to more clearly show the detailsof my invention;

Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional View taken substantially on line 74-7of Figure 3;

Figure 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on lline`8-K-8 of `Figure 3; `and collector and means for maintaining saidcutmine bottom. These racks and pinions, and the McCullough application.

FigurerQ is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on line 9 9of Figure 3.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures.

Referring now in particular to the drawings, the device embodying myinvention comprises a mining machine generally indicated at 10. Themining machine 1i) is of the track mounted typel adapted to cut anarcuate kerf in the face of the coal in front of and to each side of thetrack above the mine bottom, and includes a truck frame 11 mounted ontrack wheels 12 and axles 13, and provided with a turntable 1f; forsupporting a cutting element generally indicated at 15.

The cutting element 15 includes a motor 16 and 7. a projecting cutterbarr17 having a cutter chain` 18 guided for movement thereabout in aclosed path. The cutter chain 18 is driven from the motor 16 in a'usualmanner, clearly shown in the aforementioned prior McCulloughlapplication, and the cutting element 15 is supported in parallel spacedguides, generally indicated at 19, for ver# tical adjustment withrespectto the turntable 14. The guides 19 are providedwith suitable rackstherein which are adapted to be engaged by pinions supported on suitabledrive shafts journaled in the cutting element 15 for vertically movingand adjusting said cutting element so a kerf may be cut at variouselevations with respect to the method of vertically adjusting thecutting ele-` ment, are not herein shown nor described since they arenot a portion of my present invention and are clearly shown in theaforementioned prior 9cv Referring now in particular to the cuttingscollecting device associated with the cutter bar 17 for collecting lthecuttings cut out by the cutter chain 18, said cuttings collecting devicecom-V prises a telescopic cuttings collecting chute 20 extensible alongthe cutter bar 17 and retractible with respect to said cutter bar whichis in three sections herein shown as comprising a fixed section 21, anintermediate extensible section 22, and a forward extensibleV section23.

The fixed section 21 of the cuttings collecting chute 20 is supportedforwardly of the cutting element l5 and includes a suitable cuttingsconveyor 24 for conveying the cuttings discharged by the cuttingscollecting chute 20 through a suitable opening in the central portion ofthe machine for discharge ina suitable manner as is clearly indicatedVin the aforementioned prior McCullough application.

, The nxed section 21 includes parallel spaced 110 side members and 25atied together in a suitable manner and secured to the forward end of thecutting element 15 and extending forwardly therefrom. The parallelspaced side members 25 and 25a are formed substantially in the shape ofa U having legs ofunequal length and are of substantially the sameconstruction with the exception that the length of the legs of eachmember differ due to the fact that the side member 25 supports moremechanism than the side member 25a.

The closed portions of the side members 25 and 25a extend verticallyupward from opposite sides of a frame 26 for supporting the conveyor 24,and said side members are secured to the frame 26 and spaced outwardlytherefrom by means of the longer legs of the U in a usual manner.

Deflecting members 27 extend upwardly and angularly outwardly from theinner ends of the lower legs of the U shaped side members 25 and25a-,"respectively, and extend therealong for deflecting material intothe conveyor 24.

"5 The upper ends of the deectingvmembers `27 abut the inner sides ofsuitable parallel spaced support members 29 secured to and extendingupwardly from the lower legs of the U shaped side members 25 and 25a,respectively, and formvin gfa support for the intermediate extensiblesection 22 of the cuttings collecting chute 20 so said intermediateextensible section may be slidably kmoved therealong in a suitablemanner (see Fig. 6).

f The intermediate extensible section 22 of the cuttings collectingchute 20 is of a trough shaped l formation and has a suitable supportmember SOI-secured to one side thereof and another support member 31secured to the opposite side thereof. The support members and 31 aredisposed directly opposite each other adjacent the rearward end of theintermediate extensible section 22 and extend beneath the bottom of thetrough of the intermediate extensible section"22 for a portion of thewidth thereof and upwardly along the sides of said intermediateextensible section and outwardly therefrom.

The support members 30 and 31 are each provided with a 4bottomsupporting portion which i'sfadapted to engage and be supported on thetop portion of the upstanding support members"`29, 29 so theintermediate extensible sectionV 22 may be slidably moved therealong andthe jsupport member 3U is provided with a suitablefjshouldered portion32 which is adapted to abu'ta corresponding shouldered portion von theassociated upstanding support member 29. The support member 30 has anupstanding portion 30a adapted to engage the underside Yof thelu'pperleg of the side member 25 and a shouldered guide 33 extending'longitudinally of the side lmember 25. Likewise, the support member 31*has an upstanding portion 31a adapted to slidably engage the undersideof the upper leg ofi'th'e side member 25a.

= lIt should herein be noted that the lower portion of the supportmember 30 is shouldered afijdgengages a shouldered top portion of theopstanding support member 29 and that the upstanding portion 30a of saidsupport member i's'iengaged by the shouldered guide 33 while theopposite support member 3l is neither shouldered nor is the upstandingportion 31a engaged by ashouldered guide. v This construction aligns the'intermediate extensible section 22 with the fixed section 21 andprevents binding of said sections during movement of the section 22 withrespect to the section 21 effected by the extending and retractlngmechanism in a manner which will hereinafter be more fully described.

The forward end of the intermediate extensible section 22 of thecuttings collecting chute 20 is supported by a T shaped supportingmember 34 secured to the upper side of the central portion of saidintermediate extensible section and extending upwardly therefrom. Thecross of the T of the T shaped supporting member 34 is adapted to slidein a suitable guide formed by suitable parallel spaced strips 36, 36secured to and depending from the bottom side of the forward extensiblesection 23 having suitable gibs 37, 37 secured to their underside andadapted to engage the underside of the cross of the T shaped supportingmember 34.

Referring now in particular to the construction of the forwardextensible section 23 of the cuttings collecting chute 20, said forwardextensible section is of a trough like construction and is supportedadjacent its forward end on the cutter bar 17 for movement therealong bya member 38 secured thereto and extending upwardly from the forwardcentral portion of said forward extensible section. The member 38 issupported by and is adapted to slide within a slot 39 extendinglongitudinally of the cutter bar 17. The means for supporting the member38 on the cutter bar 17 comprises a retaining piece 40 secured to thetop side of said member by means of a suitable cap screw 41 and restingon the top surface of the cutter bar 17 adjacent opposite sides of theslot 39.

The sides of the forward extensible section 23 of the cuttingscollecting chute 20 have outwardly extending horizontal top portions 43formedintegral therewith. L shaped support members 44 are secured to thetop portion of the outwardly extending top portion 43 of the forwardextensible section 23 and their legs depend therefrom so as to be spacedfrom the sides of Said forward extensible section and be paralleltherewith. The vL shaped support members 444 are spaced from oppositesides of the sides of the intermediate extensible section 22 of thecuttings collecting chute 20 so the forward extensible section 23 may betelescoped with respect thereto and forms a support for the mechanismfor extending and retracting said forward lextensible section.

Rearwardly extending arms 45, 45 are pivotally supported on the outerside of the legs of the support members 44 for pivotal movement withrespect thereto about a Vertical axis. The rearwardly extending arms 45have suitable racks 47 secured thereto in a suitable manner; as, forinstance, a pin 48. The racks 47 extend rearwardly from the forwardextensible section 23 along the sides of the' intermediate extensiblesection 22. The rearwardly extending arms 45 and racks 47 are adapted tobe slidably supported in suitable guides 49 and 49a formed integral withthe support members 30 and 3l, respectively, for guiding said arms andracks during extension and retraction of the cuttings collecting chute20. It should herein be noted that the pivotal support for therearwardly extending arms 45 permits limited pivotal movement of theracks 47 and minimizes the possibility of binding of said racks and thepinions meshing therewith which will hereinafter be referred to.

Referring now in particular to the details of the drive mechanism forextending and retracting the cuttings collecting chute 20 and forengaging the forward end of said cuttings collecting chute with the faceof the coal, a spring actuated device is provided. The spring actuateddevice 50 is supported in the iixedsection 21 of the cuttings collectingchute 20 and comprises a transversely extending shaft 51 journaledadjacent its endsin the sidemembers'25 and 25a of said fixed section. Acollar 53 is keyed adjacent one side of the transversely extending shaft51. A coiled spring member 54 encircles the transversely extending shaft51 and one of its ends 55 is adapted to t into a suitable bore 56 in thecollar 53. An opposite end 57 of the coiled spring member 54 is adaptedto fit into a suitable bore formed in a. member 58 freely mounted on thetransversely extending shaft 51 adjacent its oppositeside. The member 58is provided with a depending ear 59 whichl is adapted to engage asuitable notch formed in the fixed section 21 to prevent rotation ofsaid member. A cylindrical member 60 encloses the coiled spring member54 and one of its ends is adapted to en-v gage a suitable shoulderedportion on the member 58, while its opposite end isradapted to engage asuitable shouldered portion on a collar 61 freely mounted on thetransversely extending shaft 51 adjacent the outer end of the collar 53.

A spur gear 63 is keyed on the transversely extending shaft 51 adjacentthe outer end of the member 58. The spur gear 63 meshes with a Vspurpinion 64 s ecured to a transversely extend-V ing shaft 65. A hand Wheel66 is keyed on one end of the transversely extending shaft adjacent thespur pinion 64 but spaced outwardly therefrom on the outer side of theside members 25 and 25a, while another hand wheel 67 is keyed on theopposite end of said transversely extending shaft. 1 Y

The hand wheel 67 Vis provided with a shouldered hub having a ratchet 69keyedl thereto. The ratchet 69 is adapted tobe engaged by a suitablepawl 70 pivotally supported on the outer side of the side member 25 on apin 71. The pawl 70 is provided with an engaging arm 72 and a trippingarm 73. g Suitable meansrare provided for 'operating the pawl 70, whichmeans herein comprise a tripping member 74. The tripping member 74 ispivotally supported adjacent one of its ends onV an'outer end of atransversely extending shaft 76.` It should be noted with referencetoFigure 9 that the tripping memberv 74 is elongated and that a portionthereof projects from the transversely extending shaft 76 to form ineffect a counterweight for engaging a pin 77 with one side of theengaging arm 72 to hold the pawl 70 in engagement with the ratchet 69,or to hold a pin 79 in engagement with the opposite side of the trippingarm 73 to disengage said pawl from the ratchet 69. The tripping member74 may be manually operated in any suitable manner; as, for instance, agripping member 80 secured to one end thereof.

Suitable operating means for the pawl 70 are provided on the oppositeend of the transversely extending shaft 76, which herein comprise anoperating member 81 counter-weighted in a manner similar to the trippingmember 74.

Thus when the transversely extending shaft 76 is rotated in such amannerthat the pin 77 engages the tripping Varm 73 of the pawl 70, theengaging arm 72 of said pawl engages the teeth of the ratchet 69 andholds the hand wheels 66 and 67 from rotation in one direction. When thepawl `70 is so positioned, rotation of either of the hand wheels 66 or67 will wind up the coiled spring member 54, said pawl holding saidcoiled spring member in tension. When the tripping memberf74 is sopositioned that the pin 79 engages the tripping arm 73, the pawl 70 willbe disengaged from the ratchet 69 which willv permit rotation of thetransversely extending shaft 65 and handwheels 66 and 67 actuated by thecoiled spring member 54.

A sprocket 83 is keyed on the hub of the spur gear 63 adjacent the outerside thereof. Another sprocket 84 is spaced forwardly from the sprocket83V and supported on a suitable shaft 85 supported in the side member 25of the fixed section 21 in a suitable manner. An endless drive chain 86is trained around the sprockets 83 and 84.

The drive chain 86 is adapted to be operatively connected with theintermediate extensible section 22 for moving saidsection with respectto the fixed section21 upon movement of said drive chain in thefollowing manner:

A 'pin 87 connects a pair of links of the drive chain 86together andextends outwardly from said .drive chain. The outer ends of the pin 87engage a forked portion 88 extending outwardly of and depending fromVthe support member 30. Thus when the coiled spring member 54 is wound toa suitable tension and the pawl 70 is disengaged from the ratchet 69,said spring will drive the sprocket 83 which in turn will drive thedrive chain 86 and move the intermediate extensible section 22 forwardlyvalong the fixed section 2l.

Referring now in particular to the means for moving the forwardextensible section 23 with respect to the intermediate extensiblesection 22, a transversely extending shaft 89 is disposedbeneath theintermediate` extensible section 22 and isjournaled adjacent itsAopposite ends in the support members 30 and 3l. Pinions 90 are securedto opposite ends of the transversely extending shaft 89 for rotationtherewith and mesh with the racks 47, 47 disposed thereabove. Racks 91,91 are disposed beneath the pinions 90 and are meshed therewith and aresecured to the outer sides of the upstanding support members 29, 29secured to the side members 25 and 25a of the fixed section v21.

Thus when the drive chain 86 moves the support members 30 andintermediate extensible section 22 of the cuttings collecting chute 20,the

.pinions 90 are bodily moved therewith. .Due

to the fact that the pinions 90 are meshed with the stationary racks 91and the racks 47 are connected to the forward extensible section 23,movement of the intermediate extensible section 22 will causesimultaneous bodily movement and rotation of the pinions 90 which willextend the forward extensible section 23 at a higher rate of speed thanthe speed of extension of said intermediate extensible section. Theshaft 89 being journaled inthe support members 30` and 31, which aresecured tothe intermediate extensible section 22, the pinions 90,besides extending or retractingthe forward extensible section 23, aid inextending or retracting the intermediate extensible section 22. y

Thus it may be seen that thecuttings collecting chute 20 is extended andheld in engagement with the face of the coal b'y means of a singlespring actuated device which is so arranged as to extend theintermediate extensible section 22 of said cuttings collecting chute atone rate of speed and extend the forward extensible section of saidcuttings collecting chute at a higher rate of speed, which rate ofspeed` is herein shown as being -tw'ice the speed `vo'f extension yofsaid intermediate extensible section.

inasmuch as the rearwardly extending arms 45, vare pivotally connectedlto outer Vsides .of the forward lextensible section 23, `said sectionmay be twisted one way Aor the other without binding of the Vracks 4.7,47 with the -pinions 90, :90, and due to the fact that :shoulderedguides .are provided on one side only of the :intermediate -rextensiblesection 22, said section may be more readily extended or retractedwithout binding. This lpermits .extension of the cuttings lcollectingchute .20 when engaged with the face of the coal v'and .relieves allstrains fromthe driving mechanism therefor. Y

Whenit is desired 'to extend the cuttings gathering zchute .20 .toengage the l.forward end thereof with the iface of the coal, the coiledspring member 54 being wound to the yrequired tension, it .is onlynecessary to release the pawl 'from the ratchet 69 by .means of thetripping device '74 in an obvious manner. The cuttings collectlng chute20 is telesooped by disengaging the pawl 70 from the ratchet '69 and-rotating either the hand wheel 66 or v67 in a ldirection to'move theintermediate'and forward extensible sections 22,'and 23, respectively,Vtoward and within each other .and within the fixed section 2.1:of saidouttings collecting chute.

`Means are provided on the forward end of the cuttings collecting chute20 to yieldably engage the face of the coal during the `cuttingoperation and permit the forward end of the forward extensible section23 of said cuttings collecting chute to have adjustable contact with theface of the mine wall which herein comprise a central material engagingmember 93 pivotally supported on a stud 94 extending downwardly from andforwardly of a spring operated plunger 95. The

spring operated plunger95 is supported in a bored supporting member 96extending forwardly of and formed integral with the member 38 and isadapted toengage the forward end of the material engaging .member 93with the face of the coal. Stops 97, 97 are provided on the top surfaceof the material-engaging member 93 and are adapted to engage a portionof the spring operated plunger to .limit pivotal movement of saidmaterial engagingmember with respect to said plunger.

' A plate 98 is spaced downwardly from theundersurface of the forwardextensible section 23 and is secured thereto 'in a suitable manner. Asupport member 99 is secured to thev underside ofthe plate 98 adjacenttheY forward end thereof and extends forwardly therefrom. A -fiangedbushing is interposed between the `undersurface of the forward end ofthe forward extensible section 23 and the top surface of the supportmember99 and secured-thereto by means of a suitable rivet, indicated byreference character 101. The flanged bushing 100 serves to pivotallysupport a transversely extending bar A103 adjacent its center forpivotal movement with respect thereto. A wing 104 is pvotally supportedadjacent each end of 'the transversely extending `bar 103 for pivotalmovement with respect thereto. The wings 104 extend-outwardly from eachside of the forward extensible section 23 of thel cuttings collectingchute 20 and are adapted to engage the face of the mine wall as thecutter bar is moved therealong. Stops 105 depend downwardly 'from eachwing 104 and are adapted to engage suitable grooves formed in thetransversely extending bar 103 :to limit pivotal movement thereof.Pivotal movement of the transversely extending `bar V103 is in turnl-imited by the forward -end of the plate 98. f

It may thus be seen .that the yieldable engaging member93 is independentof the wings 104 pivotedfon opposite'ends of the transversely extendinglbar 103, and that said .transversely extending bar serves as anequalizing support for the .wings 104, 104..-to 'hold both v of saidwings in engagement with the'coal face. Thus when an obstruction isencounteredin the face of the coal it is rst engaged by lone wing 104,which `pivots the bar 103, and said wing so said wing may ride over saidrough spot or obstruction. As one wing 104 engages an obstruction, theopposite wing 104 is-engaged with the faceof the coal by thetransversely extending bar 103. It is thus apparent that theyieldablematerial engaging means is so construct.- ed that'a maximumsurface may `bein engagement with the face of the'coal during the entirecutting operation to permit the cutter chain to propel a maximum amountof. cuttings onto the cuttings collecting chute 20. and to prevent saidcuttings from falling to the ground.

.Suitable means are provided to clear the-path of the forward extensiblesection 23 oi the cuttings collecting chute Z0 as it is being telescopedwithin the intermediate extensible section v22 of said cuttings.collectiesr chuteand vprevent fouling thereof, when means lhereincomprises a guide member 106 extendingy upwardly from the bottom of the-trough of the forward extensible section 23 of the cuttings 4collectingchute 2,0V and spaced inwardiy from the advance side wall thereof adistance suicient to clear the cutter chain 18, The guide member 105conforms substantially to the path of the cutter chain 18 and is adaptedtoguide materiai along 'he forward extensible section 23 to permit itsdischarge into the intermediate extensible section 22 byv the action ofsaid cutter chain. A pair of parallel spaced arms 107 are pivotallysupported adjacent the inner sides of the forward extensible sectionA.23 andguide member 106 and extend rearwardly therefrom (see Figs. 3and 4). A scraper device 108 is pivotally supported between the parallelspaced arms 107 and is adapted to engage the top surface of theintermediate extensible section 22 of the cuttings collecting chute 20.When the forward extensible section 22 is moved rearwardlyl with respectto the intermediate extensible section 22 and telescoped therein, thescraper device 108 is moved along the top surface `of said intermediateextensible section. As the scraper device 108 engages an obstruction,said scraper device is pivoted about its axisof pivotal connection tothe parallel spaced arms 10'7 and said arms are pivotally moved abouttheir axis of pivotalconnection to the forward extensible section 23 andguide member 105 so said scraper device may scrape material from thepath of the forward extensible section 23 of the cuttings collectingchute 20 onto the intermediate extensible section 22 andprevent foulingof the section 23 as it is telescoped within the section 22. It shouldbe noted that the scraper device is provided on one side only of theforward extensible section 23, which side is the advance side of thecuttings collecting chute 20 whenv the machine is cutting from right toleft. The reason for providing one scraper device 108 only is that theicuttingsl are discharged from the advance side of the cutter bar-onlyand that itis-not necessary to providetwo of such scraper vdevicesunless the machine is of the reversible type and is adapted to cut inopposite directions along the coal face. It is readily apparent thatwhere .the mining ymachine is ofthe reversible type a scraper device maybe provided on each side of the cuttings co1- lecting chute 20.

It may thus be seen that a new and improved cuttings collecting` devicehas been provided for a. mining machine which is compactly arranged andis of the utmost simplicity,r and that said cuttings collecting deviceincludes anew and novel equalized material engaging means adapted toengage the face of the coal during the cutting operation and a new andnovel means for extending and retracting said cuttings collecting deviceand engaging the forward end of said cuttings collecting device with themine wall wherein a single spring actuated device mayrextend a pluralityof sections of the cuttingsV collecting chute 20 simultaneously, theforward section being extended at a greater rate of speed than therearward sections. This forms ,an efllcient and simple means forextending or retracting the chute during the cuttingcperation andengaging the forward end of said chute with the coal face during theentire cutting operation.

While I have herein shown and described one form in which my inventionmay be embodied, it will be understood that the arrangementof thevarious parts and the construction thereof may be altered or changedwithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Furthermore, Idonot wish to be construed as limiting myself to the specific embodimentillustrated, excepting as it may be limited by the appended claims.

I claim as my invention: l y

1. Ina mining machine, Athe combination of cutting mechanismr includinga cutter bar and a cuttings collecting device associated with saidcutter bar comprising a plurality of longitudinally extensible sectionsand a single tension actuated rotatable member connectible with each ofsaid sections for shifting the same relative lto each other. y

2. In a mining machine, the combination of cutting mechanism including acutter bar and a cuttings collecting ldevice associated with said cutterbar comprising a plurality of longitudinally extensible sections, atension actuated -member for shifting one of said sections relative toanother, and a gear member associated with the means for shifting `saidsection for shifting another section relative to said first mentionedsection. Y

3. In a mining machine, .the combination of cutting mechanism includinga cutter bar and a cuttings collecting device associated with saidcutter bar and'comprising a plurality of longitudinallyextensiblesections, a spring actuated device, drive means associatedr therewithand onnectible with one of said sections for shifting said sectionrelative to another of said sections, and other drive means connected tosaid first mentioned drive means for shifting another section relativeto said first mentioned section. 1

4. In a mining machine, the combination of cutting mechanism including acutter bar and a cuttings collecting vdevice associated with said cutterbar and comprising a plurality of longitudinally extensible sections, aspring actuated device, drive means associated therewithV andconnectible with one of said sections for shifting said section relativeto another of said sections, anda gear member connected with saiddrivemeans for shifting `another section relative to saidflrstmentioned`section. Y l l Y 5. In aminingmachine, the combination ofcutting mechanism including a cutter bar and a cuttings .collectingdevice associated with said cutter bar and comprising a plurality oflongitudinally extensible sections, a spring actuated device, a exibledrive member associated therewith and actuated thereby, means connectingsaid iiexible drive member with one of said sections for shifting saidsection relative to another of said sections, and a gear memberconnected with said ilexible `drivemember for shifting another sectionrelative to said rst mentioned section. v

.6.In a mining machine, the combination of cutting mechanism includingacutter bar and a cuttings collecting device associated with said cutterbar and comprising a plurality of longitudinally extensible sections, aspring actuated device, a ,flexible drive member associated therewithand actuated thereby, means connecting said flexible drive member withone of said sections for shifting said section relative to another ofsaid sections, and means actuated by said means for shifting said firstmentioned section relative to another of said sections for shiftinganother of said sections relative to said first mentioned sectioncomprising a rack on said last mentioned section and a gear memberconnected with said iiexible drive member and engageable with said rack.f

7. In a mining machine, the combination of cutting mechanism including acutter bar and a cuttings collecting device` associated with said cutterbar comprising a plurality of longitudinally extensible sections andmeans for shifting said sections relative toeach other comprising aspring ractuated device, an endless flexible drive member associatedtherewith and driven thereby, va connection from said drive member toone of said sections, a rack on another of said sections and a gearmember meshing with said rack and connected with said flexible drivemem- `ber and bodily movable therewith for moving said section relativeto said first mentioned section. l v Y f `8. In a mining machine, thecombination of cutting mechanism including a cutter bar and a cuttingscollecting device associated with said cutter. bar comprising a iixedsection and a plurality of lonugitudinally extensible sections, andmeans for shifting said extensible sections relative to said fixedsections comprising'a spring actuated` device, an endless flexible drivemember driven thereby, a connection from said drive member to one ofsaid extensible sections, a rack on anotherof said movable sections,another rack on said xed section and a gear meshing with said rst andsecond mentioned racks and actuated by said flexible Vdrive member forextending said second mentioned section relative to said first mentionedsection.

9. In a mining machine, the combination of cutting mechanism including acutter barand a cuttings collecting device associated with said cutterbar comprising a fixed section anda plurality of longitudinallyextensible sections, and means for shifting said extensible sectionsrelative to said xed section comprising a spring actuated device, anendless exible drive member driven thereby, a connection from said drivemember Vto one of said extensible sections, a rack, another rack onanother of said movable sections, and a gear member connected with saidflexible drive member and bodily movable therewith and meshing with saidflrst and second mentioned racks forr extending said second mentionedsection relative to said first mentioned section.

10. In a mining machine', the combination of cutting mechanism includinga cutter bar and a cuttings collecting device associatedA with saidcutter bar comprising a xed section and a plurality of longitudinallyextensible sections, and means for shifting said extensible sectionsrelative t0 said fixed section comprising a spring actuated devicesupported on said fixed section, an endless drive member driven thereby,a connection from said drive member to one of said extensible sections,a rack on said fixed section, another rack on another of said movablesections, a gear meshing with each of said racks and a connectionbetween said gear and flexible drive member for bodily moving said geartherewith whereby said second mentioned section is moved relative tosaid first mentioned section upon movement of said first mentionedsection relative to said fixed section.

11. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism therefor' including a chaincarrying cutter bar, and cuttings collecting means associated with saidcutter bar comprising a plurality of telescopic chute sectionsextensible longitudinally of said cutter bar, a power transmissiondevice having operative connection with one of said chute sections and asingle spring actuated device associated with said power transmissiondevice for shifting said sections relative to each other in onevdirection.

12. In a mining machine, cutting' mechanism therefor' including a chaincarrying' cutter' bar, and cuttings collecting means associated withsaid cutter bar comprising a stationary section, a plurality of 'chutesections extensible longitudinally of said cutter' bar and telescopicwithin said stationary section and a single spring' actuated devicesupported in said. stationary section for shifting said extensiblesections relative to each other.

13. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism therefor'including a chaincarrying cutterv bar, and cuttings collecting means associated with saidcutter bar comprising a plurality of telescopic chute sectionsextensible longitudinally of said cutter bar, a single spring actuateddevice and an endless power transmission device associated with saidspring actuateddevice for shifting said sections relative to each other.

14. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism therefor including a chaincarrying cutter bar, and cuttings collecting means associated withsaid-cutter bar comprising a plurality of telescopic chute sectionsextensible longitudinally of said cutter bar, a single spring actuateddevice, an endless power transmission device associated with said springactuated device and a gear device connected with said endless powertransmission device and bodilymovable therewith for shifting saidsections relative to each other. c

15. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism therefor including a'chaincarrying cutter bar, and cuttings collecting means associated with saidcutter'bar comprising a plurality of telescopic chute sectionsextensible longitudinally of said cutter bar, a single spring actuateddevice, an endless power transmission device associated with said springactuated device, a rack connected with one of said sections, anotherrack connected with another ofV said sections, and a gear device meshingwith both of said racks and connected with said endless powertransmission device for bodily movement therewith for shifting saidsections relativeV to each other.

16. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism therefor including a chaincarrying cutter bar,

vand cuttings collecting means associated with.

said cutter bar comprising a plurality of telescopic chute sectionsextensible. longitudinally of said cutter bar, a single spring actuateddevice, an endless power transmission device associated with said springactuated device and having driving connection with one of saidtelescopic sections and a gear device connected with said endless powertransmission device for bodily movement therewith and having drivingconnection with another of said sections for shifting said sectionsrelative to each other.

1'7. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism therefor including a chaincarrying cutter bar, and cuttings collecting means associated with saidcutter bar comprising a plurality of telescopic` chute sectionsextensible longitudinally of said cutter bar, a single spring actuateddevice, an endless power transmission device associatedl with saidspring actuated device and having driving connection with one of saidtelescopic sections, a rack connectible with another of said telescopicsections, and a gear device meshing with said rack andconnected withsaid endless power transmission device for shifting said scctionsrelative to each other.

18. In a mining machine, cutting mechanism therefor including a chaincarrying cutter bar, and cuttings collecting means associated with saidcutter bar comprising a plurality ofv telescopic chute sectionsextensible longitudinally of said cutter bar, a single spring actuateddevice, an endless power transmission device associated with said springactuated device and having driving connection with one of saidtelescopic sections, a rack connectible with another of said telescopicsections, another rack adapted to be held in a relatively fixed positionwith respect to said last mentioned movable section and a gear devicemeshing with said racks and having connection with said endless powertransmission device for shifting said last mentioned section withrespect to said first mentioned section.

19. In a track mounted mining machine, the combination of cuttingmechanism including a projecting cutter bar adapted to cut an arcuatekerf in the mine wall, a cuttings collecting device associated with saidcutter bar comprising a chute member and means extending forwardly ofsaid chute member and engageable with the mine wall comprising atransversely extending bar having wings pivotally supported on oppositeends thereof and a yieldable material engaging member intermediate saidwings and operable independently thereof.

20. In a track mounted mining machine, the combination of cuttingmechanism including a projecting chain carrying cutter bar adapted tocut an arcuate kerf in the mine wall, a cuttings collecting chuteassociated with said cutter bar and extensible longitudinally thereof, aplate mounted centrally of said chute for pivotal movement with respectthereto and projecting beyond the forward end thereof, and atransversely extending bar supported centrally of the forward end ofsaid cuttings collecting chute for pivotal movement with respect theretoindependently of said plate, said transversely extending bar havingwings pivotally supported on opposite sides thereof having curvilinearportions projecting beyond the front and side edges of the forwardportion of said chute.

21. In a track mounted mining machine, the combination of cuttingmechanism including a projecting chain` carrying cutter bar adapted tocut an arcuate kerf in the mine wall, a cuttings coilecting chuteassociated with said cutter bar and extensible longitudinally thereof, aplate yieldably mounted centrally of said chute for pivotal movementwith respect thereto and extensible beyond the forward end thereof, anda transversely extending bar supported independently of said platecentrally of the forward end of said cuttings collecting chute forpivotal movement with respect thereto, said transversely extending barhaving wings pivotally supported on opposite sides thereof havingcurvilinear portions proiecting beyond the front and side edges of theforward portion of said chute.

22. In a track mounted mining machine, the combination of cuttingmechanism including a projecting chain carrying cutter bar adapted tocut an arcuate kerf in the mine wall, a cuttings collecting chuteassociated with said cutter bar and extensible longitudinally thereof, aplate yieldably mounted centrally of said chute for yieldable movementlongitudinally of said chute and for pivotal movement with respectthereto and extensible beyond the forward end thereof,

and a transversely extending bar supported inde- Y pendently of saidplate centrally of the forward end of said cuttings collecting chute forpivotal movement with respect thereto, said transversely extending barhaving wings pivotally supported on opposite sides thereof havingcurvilinear portions projecting beyond the front and side edges of theforward portion of said chute.

23. In a mining machine, the combination of cutting mechanism including;a cutter bar and a cuttings collecting device associated with saidcutter bar comprising a fixed section and a plurality of longitudinallyextensible sections, and means for shifting said extensible sectionsrelative to said iixed section comprising a spring actuated devicesupported in said iixed section rearwardly of said extensible sectionscomprising a xed member, a rotatable member, a spring associated withsaid xed and rotatable members, means connectible with said rotatablemember for adjusting the tension of said springs, means for releasingsaid rotatable member or holding said rotatable member from movement inone direction, a sprocket driven by said roatable member, an endlesschain having connection with one of said extensible sections and drivenby said sprocket, a gear connected with said endless chain for bodilymovement therewith, means for rotating said gear as it is bodily movedwith said endless chain and a drive connection vfrom said gear toanother of said extensible sections for extending or retracting saidsection at a higher rate of speed than said first mentioned section.

24. In a mining machine, the'combination of cutting mechanism includinga cutter bar and a cuttings collecting device associated with saidcutter bar comprising a fixed section and a plurality of `longitudinallyextensible sections, and means for shifting said extensible sectionsrelative to said xed section comprising a rotatable member, means forrotating said rotatable member, a sprocket driven by said rotatablemember, an endless chain having connection with one of said extensiblesections and driven by said sprocket, a gear connected with said endlesschain for bodily movement therewith, means for rotating said gear as itis bodily moved with said endless chain and a drive connection from saidgear to another of said extensible sections for extending or retractingsaid section at a higher rate of speed than said first mentionedsection.

25. In a mining machine, the combination of cutting mechanism includinga cutter bar and a cuttings collecting device associated with saidcutter bar comprising a fixed section and a plurality of longitudinallyextensible sections, and means for shifting said extensible sectionsrelative io said fixed section comprising a rotatable member, means formanually rotating said rotatable member, a sprocket driven by saidrotatable member, an endless chain having connection with one of saidextensible sections andvdriven by said sprocket, a gear connected withsaid endless chain for bodily movement therewith, means for rotatingsaid gear as it is-'bodily moved with said endless chain and a driveconnection from said gear to another of said extensible sections forextending or retracting said section at a higher rate of speed than saidrst mentioned section.

26. In a mining machine, the combination of cutting mechanism includinga cutter bar and a cuttings collecting device associated with saidcutter bar comprising a xed section and a plurality of longitudinallyextensible sections, and means for shifting said extensible sectionsrelative to said fixed section comprising a rotatable member, springactuated means for rotating said rotatable member `in one direction, asprocket driven by said rotatable member, an endless chain havingconnection with one of said extensible sections and driven by saidsprocket, a gear connected with said'endless chain for bodily move-lment therewith, means for rotating said gear as it'is bodily moved withsaid endless chain and a drive connection from said gear-toanother ofVsaid extensible sections for extending or retracting said section at ahigher rate of speed than said rst mentioned section. Y

27. In a mining machine, the combination of cutting mechanism includinga cutter bar and a cuttings collecting device associated with saidcutter bar comprising a fixed section and a plurality of longitudinallyextensible sections, and means for shifting said extensible sectionsrelative to said'xed section comprising a rotatable member, springactuated means operatively connectible with said rotatable member, meanswhereby said rotatable member may be actuated by said spring actuatedmeans or manually, an endless chain driven by said rotatable member, va

connection between said endless chain and one of said extensiblesections for moving said extensible section upon movement of saidendless chain,v a gear connected with said endless chain for bodilymovement therewith, means for rotating said gear as it is bodily movedwith said endless l? it' chain, and a drive connection from said gear toanother. of said extensible sections for extending or retracting saidsection at a higher4 rate of speed than said first mentioned section.

HERMAN W. DRIEHAUS.

